The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is off to a thrilling start, and one name that’s been making headlines is Shreyas Iyer. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper has been in unstoppable form, staying undefeated in both his matches so far. After guiding his team to a convincing win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with an elegant *52 (not out)**, Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer and PBKS head coach, bestowed upon Iyer a new nickname—calling him a “Rolls-Royce in third gear.”
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With 149 runs under his belt, including an unbeaten 97 against Gujarat Titans, Iyer is currently the second-highest run-scorer of the season. His calm, calculated, and classy batting has been instrumental in PBKS’s strong start, and Ponting’s admiration for his captain is a testament to Iyer’s impact.
Let’s dive deeper into this standout performance, Ponting’s inspiring words to his team, and how Punjab Kings are shaping up for a promising IPL 2025 campaign.
Shreyas Iyer: The “Rolls-Royce in Third Gear”
After Punjab Kings successfully chased 172 runs in just 16.2 overs, Ricky Ponting was full of praise for Shreyas Iyer’s composed knock. During the team meeting, Ponting described his captain’s innings with the now-famous quote:
“Skipper (Iyer) did it easy again. Rolls-Royce just stayed in third gear for most of the day. Didn’t have to go any harder than that. Just steers the ship home.”
Ponting’s metaphor perfectly captures Iyer’s playing style—effortless yet efficient, smooth yet effective. Despite not shifting into full attacking mode, Iyer ensured PBKS reached their target with ease, once again proving why he is one of the most reliable batsmen in T20 cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s Red-Hot IPL 2025 Form
Iyer’s current form has been nothing short of phenomenal. Here’s a quick look at his batting performance so far:
| Match | Opponent | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Not Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Gujarat Titans | 97* | 59 | ✅ |
| Match 2 | Lucknow Super Giants | 52* | 39 | ✅ |
| Total | – | 149 Runs | – | Not Dismissed Yet |
With two consecutive match-winning knocks, Iyer is yet to be dismissed in IPL 2025, and his form suggests that more big scores are on the horizon.
Punjab Kings’ Dominant Win Over LSG
While Iyer’s unbeaten fifty was crucial, the PBKS victory over Lucknow Super Giants was a complete team effort.
1. Prabhsimran Singh’s Explosive Start
🔥 34-ball 69 – Blitzkrieg in the Powerplay
Prabhsimran Singh set the stage with a fiery knock of 69 off 34 balls, ensuring PBKS dominated the chase from the very start. His aggressive batting dismantled the LSG bowlers, giving Punjab the momentum they needed.
2. Nehal Wadhera’s Finishing Touch
🏏 43 off 25 balls* – Confidence Booster
Nehal Wadhera provided the finishing touches, smashing an unbeaten 43 off just 25 balls. His innings boosted the team’s confidence, and Ponting didn’t hold back in praising the young batter for making the most of his opportunity.
Ricky Ponting’s Message to PBKS Players
Despite the dominant win, Ponting urged his players to stay grounded and committed for the long IPL season ahead.
🗣️ “Let’s not take anything for granted. Our attitudes have been spot on. We’re just starting to scratch the surface. So let’s keep working hard together as a family, as one. And we’re going to get better every day.”
Ponting highlighted the importance of discipline, acknowledging that IPL is a gruelling tournament, and maintaining consistency will be key to PBKS’s success.
PBKS Bowlers: The Unsung Heroes
While the batters grabbed headlines, the bowlers set up the victory with a fantastic performance.
1. Powerplay Domination
PBKS bowlers choked LSG early on, restricting them to just 35 runs in the first six overs, thanks to:
✔ Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant opening over – Conceded only 3 runs
✔ Lockie Ferguson’s tight spell – Just 4 runs in his first over
✔ Glenn Maxwell’s strategic bowling – Broke the momentum
2. Marco Jansen’s Crucial Breakthrough
Jansen’s dismissal of David Miller was a game-changer. His spell put LSG on the back foot, ensuring they couldn’t post an above-par total.
Ponting appreciated the bowling unit’s discipline, highlighting how even debutant Lockie Ferguson executed his role perfectly.
Final Thoughts: Can PBKS Win IPL 2025?
With Shreyas Iyer leading from the front, Punjab Kings look like serious title contenders. Their batting depth, solid bowling unit, and experienced leadership under Ricky Ponting make them one of the most well-balanced teams this season.
🔥 If Iyer maintains his form and PBKS continues their dominance, could this finally be the year Punjab lifts their maiden IPL trophy?
👉 What do you think about Shreyas Iyer’s performance? Can he guide PBKS to IPL glory? Let us know in the comments! 👇
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FAQs
1. Why did Ricky Ponting call Shreyas Iyer a “Rolls-Royce in third gear”?
✅ Ponting compared Iyer’s batting to a Rolls-Royce because of his smooth, effortless, and controlled approach to run-chases. Iyer’s calmness under pressure and ability to accelerate when needed make him one of the most elegant batters in the IPL.
2. Can Shreyas Iyer be the Orange Cap winner this season?
✅ Given his red-hot form and the fact that he is yet to be dismissed, Iyer is a strong contender for the Orange Cap (highest run-scorer award). If he continues this momentum, he could easily finish as IPL 2025’s leading run-getter.
